Inam Sehgal
LONDON: The Green Party leader Zack Polanski has called for an end to UK arms exports to Israel, comprehensive sanctions on the Israeli government and stronger international action over alleged crimes in Gaza, putting renewed pressure on ministers to clarify Britain’s policy.
Polanski has accused successive governments of failing to respond adequately as the humanitarian crisis has deepened, arguing that the UK must not remain “complicit” in the conflict. His demands include support for international legal accountability and the sharing with international courts of intelligence gathered by RAF reconnaissance flights.
In July, he challenged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to say whether Britain would end what he described as its participation in the “genocide” in Gaza.
Taken together, the proposals would represent a significant shift in the UK’s relationship with Israel, affecting arms policy, sanctions and cooperation with international investigations. They also sharpen the political divide over whether Britain should use its influence to pressure the Israeli government.
The intervention reinforces the Greens’ position as one of Britain’s most outspoken pro-Palestinian political forces and is likely to intensify debate in Westminster over the UK’s role in the conflict.
Polanski has also insisted that criticism of the Israeli government must not be confused with antisemitism.
Following a controversial Green Party vote on Zionism this week, he said the rights and safety of both Palestinians and Jewish communities must be protected.
The Green leader has previously described criticism of Israel’s government as a “moral responsibility”, while calling for justice, safety and freedom for Palestinians and Israelis alike. His latest intervention is expected to keep Gaza high on the political agenda and increase pressure on ministers to explain whether Britain will change its policy on arms exports, sanctions and diplomatic relations with Israel.
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